Arjun Bijlani’s Father In Law, Rakesh Chandra Swami Dies at 73 Due to Stroke

The New Year began on a sombre note for popular television actor Arjun Bijlani and his wife, Neha Swami. The family is mourning the passing of Neha’s father, Rakesh Chandra Swami, who died on the morning of January 1, 2026. He was 73 years old. The tragedy occurred just as the couple was celebrating the New Year in Dubai, forcing them to cut their vacation short and rush back to Mumbai to be with their family during this difficult time.

Rakesh Chandra Swami was known as a pillar of strength for the family. Arjun, who lost his own father at a young age, shared an exceptionally close bond with him, often describing him as a second father. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon in Mumbai, where a visibly emotional Arjun was seen comforting his son, Ayaan, and supporting his heartbroken wife.

Arjun Bijlani’s Father-in-Law's Cause of Death 

 

 

 

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The cause of death has been confirmed as complications arising from a sudden brain stroke. According to family members, the incident was completely unexpected as Rakesh was "fit and fine" just moments before. On the evening of December 29, 2025, he was reportedly getting ready for dinner when he suddenly suffered a stroke and collapsed.

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He was immediately rushed to Bellevue Hospital in Mumbai, where he was placed on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Despite the best efforts of the medical team over three days, his condition did not improve, and he breathed his last on Thursday morning. The family remains in deep shock, struggling to process how a healthy evening turned into a fatal medical emergency so quickly.

While Rakesh Chandra Swami appeared fit, medical studies often highlight that "silent" risk factors like high blood pressure or undiagnosed atrial fibrillation can trigger a stroke in seniors without prior symptoms. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights that nearly 1 in 4 strokes are "cryptogenic" or sudden, occurring in individuals who seem otherwise healthy. The research emphasises that age-related changes in blood vessel elasticity can lead to spontaneous ruptures or blockages, making regular cardiovascular screenings vital for those over 65.

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Conclusion

The loss of Rakesh Chandra Swami is a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life. For Arjun Bijlani and Neha Swami, the year 2026 has started with a void that will be hard to fill. Rakesh will be remembered not just for his role as a patriarch but for the immense love and stability he provided to his children and grandchildren.